The records could be as lopsided as a seesaw. The Dallas Cowboys could be winless, the New York Giants could be undefeated, and I'd still sidle up to any bar (or press-box table) and watch this showdown with great anticipation. The emotions, the history -- it's always over the top when these hated rivals lock horns.

It all boils down to must-see football.

Add in the fact the Giants are looking to avenge a surprising season-opening loss in front of the nation that had many of us clamoring to say this would be the Cowboys' year? Yup, this is a no-brainer No. 1. Sorry, Atlanta Falcons fans wishing today would be the day you'd finally crack the top spot. Sorry, Philadelphia Eagles fans wishing ... Nah, never mind. You have far greater concerns in this difficult season.

Why this game is No. 1:

A no-doubter. The NFC East might be the most intriguing division this year, with no weak links, no boring quarterbacks and no reason to turn away. The fact that everything is still up for grabs helps. The Giants, clearly, are the class of the division, but they are also the victims of the Cowboys' lone divisional win. For all their issues -- they have more than a few -- the 'Boys are 3-2 in the conference and 1-0 in the division. A victory here gives them the tiebreaker over New York, as well as their first win over the G-Men in Cowboys Stadium. Dallas might have to do it without running back DeMarco Murray, which would put more pressure on Tony Romo. On the other side of the ball, the Cowboys definitely will be missing star linebacker Sean Lee, who appears to be done for the season. A win would be Romo's biggest feat in some time, just for the way it would validate that things are headed in the right direction. #NYGvsDAL

Why this game is No. 2:

Drama aside, this would still be a fun one. Matt Ryan's pass-happy Falcons are facing off against one of the most annoyingly aggressive front fours in football. Throw in Atlanta's undefeated record and the immense potential in Philadelphia, and this game has plenty of promise. And then you throw in all the other things going on with the Eagles. Honestly, this is quite winnable for Philly, given that it's at home, the Eagles are coming off a bye, and they have a new defensive coordinator in Todd Bowles who will put his stamp on things. A victory could jump-start this squad. But every loss could trigger more changes for Andy Reid's team. Everything is filled with drama for Philadelphia. #ATLvsPHI

Why this game is No. 3:

It's not often a game featuring two non-winning teams (combined record: 5-7) earns such a lofty perch in the rankings. It's not often that two non-winning teams have as much potential as the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos. Forget their records for a second. This is still Drew Brees vs. Peyton Manning in a shootout-style showdown that won't be over until it really is. With the Broncos coming off an epic comeback win over the San Diego Chargers, they know they're never out of it. This game is also attractive because it features the return from a six-game suspension of interim Saints coach Joe Vitt, whose emotional boost should help New Orleans. In addition, Brees and Co. have won two straight. Even at Mile High, this is winnable. The Saints couldn't possibly still have playoff hopes ... could they? #NOvsDEN

Why this game is No. 4:

On the surface, two mediocre teams are facing off in a cross-conference matchup that doesn't mean much. Whatever. Two of the game's most enjoyable quarterbacks to watch ... on the same field? I'm in. If I could TiVo this game, I'd watch just the portions where defenders try in vain to sack Robert Griffin III and Ben Roethlisberger, only to see the two quarterbacks keep plays alive with their feet and strength. As for the actual game, there is plenty at stake. Both teams have flashed enough to be considered possible playoff contenders, with the Pittsburgh Steelers showing just a bit more (even with their injuries). But if the visiting Washington Redskins pull it off, their storyline changes. #WASvsPIT

Why this game is No. 5:

One of the NFL's best running backs takes on the NFL's third-best team against the run. In today's NFL, there are plenty of high-flying aerial showdowns (like those listed above). But a true grind-fest, like Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings, is rare. The still-soaring Vikings are beyond being the NFL's surprise team. Even though Christian Ponder threw for just 58 yards with two interceptions last Sunday, the Vikes secured a home victory over the Arizona Cardinals. That's a sign of a good team, not a fluky one. It sure helped to have still-rehabbing Adrian Peterson bust out for 153 yards on the ground. But the feisty Bucs present a challenge this week, even if Minnesota's in the coveted position of being the home team in a Thursday night game. Tampa Bay has had more than its share of near-misses this year, and in a battle of two of the NFL's youngest teams, anything can happen. This is a game that, before the year, would never have seemed appetizing. Now, I'll be camped in front of my TV for it. #TBvsMIN

Why this game is No. 6:

We're past writing off the New York Jets, even without Darrelle Revis and Santonio Holmes. With the way they've played over the past couple of weeks, they've put themselves in the mix to compete for all of their preseason goals. All they need to do this week is handle another upstart team we can't write off: the Miami Dolphins. Gone are the days when we thought the game would be too fast for rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Instead, these two division rivals will battle for footing in a situation where both have lots of life. Don't be surprised to see Rex Ryan go out of his way to try to confuse Miami's rookie signal-caller with his schemes, welcoming the reemergence of a Gang Green defense that was always supposed to be one of the league's finest. #MIAvsNYJ

Why this game is No. 7:

If you're going to showcase one thing to the London-based fans, why not Tom Brady and the New England Patriots? Considering they have one of the NFL's biggest support systems overseas, it's a no-brainer. Either way, this will be a treat for the British. Those watching on TV from home should get a surprisingly good game. The St. Louis Rams can really cover, thanks to Cortland Finnegan and Janoris Jenkins, and the Pats haven't thrived on the outside, even with the addition of Brandon Lloyd. In addition, St. Louis boasts an up-and-coming defensive line ready to torment Brady. A few weeks ago, this might have seemed like a romp. Yet the Patriots have shown uncharacteristic vulnerabilities on offense. The Rams have a real chance to score an upset across the pond. #NEvsSTL

Why this game is No. 8:

Like defense? Hitting? Things like blocking and tackling? Cool. This is right up your alley. The NFL's fiercest front seven, featuring Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, will rumble with the Arizona Cardinals' run-first attack. Considering how badly Arizona's reeling, though, this might not be as good a showdown as we would've anticipated a few weeks ago. The Cardinals still have quarterback issues, they suddenly feature an unknown running back named LaRod Stephens-Howling, and they have lost three in a row. Even at home, don't be shocked to see that skid continue, with the San Francisco 49ers further cementing themselves as one of the NFC's bullies. #SFvsAZ

Why this game is No. 9:

It's a little disheartening to see this classic rivalry fall so far down the list. Who'da thunk it? But that's the state these teams, who have a combined record of 3-9, are in. The reason it's not last is that it should still be as intense as ever, even in front of the Kansas City Chiefs' disgruntled fan base. While the Oakland Raiders are fresh off a come-from-behind win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Chiefs are coming off a much-needed bye after enduring three straight losses. They made a quarterback decision coming out of it, and Brady Quinn is now the starter. Will that matter? #OAKvsKC

Why this game is No. 11:

The Seattle Seahawks can be a devastating team, having pulled out some clutch wins, but only at home, where their three most impressive victories have come. On the road, this time visiting the Detroit Lions, you'll see a different team. That knocks this matchup down a few notches. Even with all his heroics, Russell Wilson still faces questions as Seattle's starting signal-caller. Will a fierce Detroit D-line add more fuel to the QB-controversy fire? As for the Lions, how Calvin Johnson fares against Seattle's physical defensive backs should tell us where he is as a player this year. #SEAvsDET

Why this game is No. 12:

There's no doubt the Green Bay Packers will roll in this matchup. Aaron Rodgers has returned to MVP form and Jordy Nelson continues to establish himself as one of the league's most dangerous weapons, and the Pack are on their way. And then there's the Jacksonville Jaguars. Maurice Jones-Drew is due to miss significant time with injury, while quarterback Blaine Gabbert must deal with a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Things will only get worse for this downtrodden franchise, beginning Sunday. #JACvsGB

Why this game is No. 13:

If you'd told me before the season that Panthers-Bears would be next-to-last, I'd have laughed. How could Cam Newton vs. Jay Cutler slot in so low? But that's how far Carolina has sunk, leading to the firing of general manager Marty Hurney this week. There is still talent on this team, but the Panthers will need to pull it together fast to compete with Chicago. (It's a long shot.) This ball-hawking Bears defense is one of the NFL's best, and one can imagine how frustrating the unit will make life for Newton and receiver Steve Smith. If there's one quarterback whose body language we'll analyze on Sunday, it's Newton. #CARvsCHI